NHL insider confirms star goalie will waive no trade clause for Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are an all around elite team with the exception of average goaltending, so it raises eyebrows when an veteran elite starter like John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks would agree to a trade to Edmonton.
Reports surfaced earlier this season that Gibson would be open to a deal to Edmonton, and now that sentiment's been reiterated before the trade deadline.
NHL insider confirms Star Goalie would accept trade to Edmonton Oilers
According to a new article in the Athletic today, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun stated that Gibson would be open to a trade to the Oilers if that opportunity arose.
However, it appears it's Stan Bowman and the Oilers that's closing the door on a potential trade for Gibson - or any other goalie for that matter. To LeBrun, Bowman stressed how much he's been satisfied with the Oilers goaltending.
- Stan Bowman
Of course Bowman could be downplaying his interest for a goalie trade to the media to help his negotiating, but it doesn't seem likely that he will be trading for any goalie at the deadline.
Trading for John Gibson would be a very complex deal, accommodating his $6.4M salary and meeting Anaheim's asking price.
The 31 year old goalie is a seasoned veteran of 500 games, and is having a fantastic year with a .915 save percentage. Gibson seems to be proving to the NHL that he's worth a risk in a trade.
Oilers may be taking a risk by not acquiring upgrade in goal crease before playoffs
Stuart Skinner has recovered to near league average after a tough start to the season, but he still has spurts of inconsistency that should be terrifying to a playoff team like the Oilers, especially when Cal Pickard isn't the best backup.
A trade to upgrade on Pickard would be the most responsible path forward for the Oilers - even just as insurance for a Skinner injury. Skinner hasn't performed well against top teams, and Pickard isn't trusted with those matchups at all.
The Oilers goalies have done the job well enough to coast them through regular season dominance, but relying on an average goalie tandem to get to the Cup Final two years in a row is a tall ask. Bowman may be taking a big risk rolling with the same goalies in this year's playoffs.
